Process
Our complimentary process will provide you with answers to three critical questions:
We document our findings and recommendations in a one-page financial plan.
For those who are a good fit for our firm, there is no cost or obligation for this process as we want you to know exactly how we can help you before you pay us a single dollar.
We do all of our work virtually, so all contact will be over the phone or through Zoom.
Our Process
Step 1: Discovery Call
We begin with a brief 15-minute phone conversation to understand your situation and ensure our expertise matches your needs. If we're not the best fit for your circumstances, we'll gladly refer you to someone better suited to help.
Step 2: Strategy Session
During this meeting, we focus on understanding your complete financial picture, including your goals, concerns, and unique circumstances. We'll gather the information needed to provide meaningful recommendations.
Step 3: Comprehensive Analysis
Our team conducts a thorough review of your financial situation, applying our expertise to evaluate:
Step 4: Recommendations Meeting
We present our findings and specific recommendations in clear, straightforward terms. We'll show you exactly how we can help improve your financial situation, with specific, actionable steps.
Step 5: Reflection Period
We encourage you to take time to review our recommendations carefully. Consider:
While we would love to work with you, if you decide that it’s not a good fit, we will wish you all the best and every success. In other words, there is never a hard-sell or pressure to say yes.
- Will you run out of money in retirement?
- Are you overpaying your taxes?
- Is your investment approach aligned with your retirement goals?
We document our findings and recommendations in a one-page financial plan.
For those who are a good fit for our firm, there is no cost or obligation for this process as we want you to know exactly how we can help you before you pay us a single dollar.
We do all of our work virtually, so all contact will be over the phone or through Zoom.
Our Process
Step 1: Discovery Call
We begin with a brief 15-minute phone conversation to understand your situation and ensure our expertise matches your needs. If we're not the best fit for your circumstances, we'll gladly refer you to someone better suited to help.
Step 2: Strategy Session
During this meeting, we focus on understanding your complete financial picture, including your goals, concerns, and unique circumstances. We'll gather the information needed to provide meaningful recommendations.
Step 3: Comprehensive Analysis
Our team conducts a thorough review of your financial situation, applying our expertise to evaluate:
- Long-term financial sustainability
- Tax efficiency opportunities
- Investment strategy alignment
- Potential risks and mitigation strategies
Step 4: Recommendations Meeting
We present our findings and specific recommendations in clear, straightforward terms. We'll show you exactly how we can help improve your financial situation, with specific, actionable steps.
Step 5: Reflection Period
We encourage you to take time to review our recommendations carefully. Consider:
- Do you feel confident in our team's expertise and approach?
- Are the potential benefits worth the investment?
- Do you understand and agree with our recommendations?
While we would love to work with you, if you decide that it’s not a good fit, we will wish you all the best and every success. In other words, there is never a hard-sell or pressure to say yes.
Financial Planning Fee
We charge a flat fee of $6,500 annually, billed quarterly in the amount of $1,625 to your credit card for financial planning services.
If we are also managing investments for you, we don't begin charging you for investment management services until your household investments reach $750,000 with us.
Once the assets we manage reach $750,000 you graduate to an investment management fee ONLY. The investment management fee starts at 0.85% of the assets managed (0.2125% per quarter).
*All flat fees are subject to revision based on complexity.
If we are also managing investments for you, we don't begin charging you for investment management services until your household investments reach $750,000 with us.
Once the assets we manage reach $750,000 you graduate to an investment management fee ONLY. The investment management fee starts at 0.85% of the assets managed (0.2125% per quarter).
*All flat fees are subject to revision based on complexity.
Client Service Calendar
We find it helpful for potential clients to have a good understanding of when and what we regularly meet on.
We have 1 required meeting in October to review your account, update your financial plan, and answer any questions you may have.
We have 1 encouraged meeting in April to review your tax return and answer any questions you may have.
Outside of April and October, you can schedule a meeting with your planner to discuss anything that may come up. Meetings are available the 2nd week of any month, outside of April or October. Email your planner anytime during the month prior to the meeting and we will get you on the calendar. For example, if you want to meet in July, email in June.
For urgent, 911 issues we will connect with you as soon as possible. Please see the Client Communication policy to see how and when to communicate with your planner.
Additionally, we send out a quarterly “value add” via email along with your billing statement that touch base on a variety of personal finance topics.
We have 1 required meeting in October to review your account, update your financial plan, and answer any questions you may have.
We have 1 encouraged meeting in April to review your tax return and answer any questions you may have.
Outside of April and October, you can schedule a meeting with your planner to discuss anything that may come up. Meetings are available the 2nd week of any month, outside of April or October. Email your planner anytime during the month prior to the meeting and we will get you on the calendar. For example, if you want to meet in July, email in June.
For urgent, 911 issues we will connect with you as soon as possible. Please see the Client Communication policy to see how and when to communicate with your planner.
Additionally, we send out a quarterly “value add” via email along with your billing statement that touch base on a variety of personal finance topics.
Client Communication Policy
We believe that communication should be consistent, clear and effective. As a client of ours, you have unlimited access to our team. Most clients find the following guide helpful in understanding when best to call by phone and when to email.
911 Priority – call our office
Medium Priority – Call or e-Mail.
Low Priority – E-mail Generally
e-Mail is not instant communication. We know how reliant as a society we have become on email and oftentimes, treat it as instant communication. We want to stress that if you have a 911 priority item, please call, so that we can give the matter the immediate attention it deserves.
What should I ask or tell you about when it comes to my finances? We want to be your 411 and 911 when it comes to your personal finances.
We hope that by outlining our firm’s communication policy you will find that it is consistent, clear and an effective method of maintaining a strong and healthy relationship.
911 Priority – call our office
- You need an answer within 24 hours, or same day.
- The matter IS time sensitive.
- The matter involves a traumatic event.
Medium Priority – Call or e-Mail.
- You need to visit with someone within the next 72 hours, but it is not immediate.
- The matter is not time sensitive.
- The matter cannot wait until a monthly or semi-annual appointment.
Low Priority – E-mail Generally
- You want our office to be aware of something, but no immediate action is needed.
- There are no deadlines with this matter.
- The matter can wait until a monthly or semi-annual appointment.
e-Mail is not instant communication. We know how reliant as a society we have become on email and oftentimes, treat it as instant communication. We want to stress that if you have a 911 priority item, please call, so that we can give the matter the immediate attention it deserves.
What should I ask or tell you about when it comes to my finances? We want to be your 411 and 911 when it comes to your personal finances.
We hope that by outlining our firm’s communication policy you will find that it is consistent, clear and an effective method of maintaining a strong and healthy relationship.
Questions to Ask a Potential Advisor
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Common Questions
Q. Why is an initial comprehensive financial plan required?
A. In order for us to understand your financial situation, we must review, in-depth, all aspects of your financial life. This typically takes 20-30 hours of work and we commonly review 40+ financial documents.
Q. For ongoing financial planning, you only meet with us 1 time a year?
A. We have 1 formal review scheduled each year, however you can meet with us as many times as you want. After the first year, clients typically meet with us 3-4 times a year including the formal review.
Q. How many times do we meet during the initial financial plan process?
A. Here is the typical meeting schedule:
Q. Can I really contact you as much as I want?
A. During normal business hours, yes! I acknowledge all questions within 1 business day, even if it takes longer to get an answer.
Q. I am not sure which ongoing financial plan option is right for me?
A. I will provide pros and cons to each option after completing the comprehensive financial plan. Generally speaking, if you're still in your working years, option #2 may be a better fit. If you're already retired, option #1 may be best.
Q. I don't think a financial advisor is worth the cost. What value do you really provide?
A. While many people initially think of financial advisors as just money managers, our role is much broader and more impactful. Yes, we handle investments, but that's just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
As we work together, you'll find that our engagement often extends far beyond your investment portfolio. We address a wide range of financial concerns, from saving for children's education and caring for aging parents to ensuring adequate insurance coverage and optimizing your unique benefits.
Our true value lies in our ability to provide comprehensive, personalized guidance that helps you make informed decisions and stay on track toward your financial objectives.
Q: I don't have enough time to meet with a financial advisor. How can I fit this into my busy schedule?
A: I completely understand this concern. Our lives are indeed a whirlwind of commitments. However, it's not about having time, it's about making time for what matters. The time you dedicate to our meetings can be among the most productive time you spend, helping you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and ultimately achieve your financial goals more efficiently.
Q: I prefer to handle my finances myself. Why should I consider working with a financial advisor?
A: While it's certainly possible to achieve a degree of success on your own, the complexities of financial planning - require a depth of knowledge and expertise that goes beyond surface-level understanding.
Think of it this way: just as you might consult a professional for a complex home renovation project, working with a financial advisor doesn't mean relinquishing control. Instead, it's about ENHANCING your financial autonomy. We bring to the table not just knowledge, but the ability to tailor that knowledge to your unique financial situation, identifying opportunities and pitfalls that might otherwise be overlooked.
Q: I've had a bad experience with a financial advisor before. Why should I try again?
A: I'm truly sorry to hear about your negative experience. It's important to remember that one bad experience doesn't define an entire profession. Just as you wouldn't swear off all medical professionals after one bad experience with a doctor, it's worth considering that not all financial advisors are the same.
I take pride in providing personalized and transparent services to each of my clients. My specialized knowledge allows me to offer insights that many general advisors simply can't provide. I believe everyone deserves to work with someone who will listen to them, understand their goals, and help them craft a plan that works for them.
Q: I'm still years from retirement. Isn't it too early to start planning?
A: It's never too early! Some of the biggest payoffs come from decisions you make early in your career. We can help you make smart choices now that will seriously boost your retirement later.
A. In order for us to understand your financial situation, we must review, in-depth, all aspects of your financial life. This typically takes 20-30 hours of work and we commonly review 40+ financial documents.
Q. For ongoing financial planning, you only meet with us 1 time a year?
A. We have 1 formal review scheduled each year, however you can meet with us as many times as you want. After the first year, clients typically meet with us 3-4 times a year including the formal review.
Q. How many times do we meet during the initial financial plan process?
A. Here is the typical meeting schedule:
- Goals, Values and Alignment Meeting - We discuss your goals, values and get on the same page regarding your financial goals and desires.
- Data Review Meeting - We review the summarized data provided, share insights, background and ensure we are on the same page.
- Plan Presentation - We go through the prepared financial plan in-depth. Sometimes this is covered in 2 meetings.
- Implementation Meeting - We help implement any recommendations developed from the financial plan. Sometimes this is covered in 2 meetings.
Q. Can I really contact you as much as I want?
A. During normal business hours, yes! I acknowledge all questions within 1 business day, even if it takes longer to get an answer.
Q. I am not sure which ongoing financial plan option is right for me?
A. I will provide pros and cons to each option after completing the comprehensive financial plan. Generally speaking, if you're still in your working years, option #2 may be a better fit. If you're already retired, option #1 may be best.
Q. I don't think a financial advisor is worth the cost. What value do you really provide?
A. While many people initially think of financial advisors as just money managers, our role is much broader and more impactful. Yes, we handle investments, but that's just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
As we work together, you'll find that our engagement often extends far beyond your investment portfolio. We address a wide range of financial concerns, from saving for children's education and caring for aging parents to ensuring adequate insurance coverage and optimizing your unique benefits.
Our true value lies in our ability to provide comprehensive, personalized guidance that helps you make informed decisions and stay on track toward your financial objectives.
Q: I don't have enough time to meet with a financial advisor. How can I fit this into my busy schedule?
A: I completely understand this concern. Our lives are indeed a whirlwind of commitments. However, it's not about having time, it's about making time for what matters. The time you dedicate to our meetings can be among the most productive time you spend, helping you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and ultimately achieve your financial goals more efficiently.
Q: I prefer to handle my finances myself. Why should I consider working with a financial advisor?
A: While it's certainly possible to achieve a degree of success on your own, the complexities of financial planning - require a depth of knowledge and expertise that goes beyond surface-level understanding.
Think of it this way: just as you might consult a professional for a complex home renovation project, working with a financial advisor doesn't mean relinquishing control. Instead, it's about ENHANCING your financial autonomy. We bring to the table not just knowledge, but the ability to tailor that knowledge to your unique financial situation, identifying opportunities and pitfalls that might otherwise be overlooked.
Q: I've had a bad experience with a financial advisor before. Why should I try again?
A: I'm truly sorry to hear about your negative experience. It's important to remember that one bad experience doesn't define an entire profession. Just as you wouldn't swear off all medical professionals after one bad experience with a doctor, it's worth considering that not all financial advisors are the same.
I take pride in providing personalized and transparent services to each of my clients. My specialized knowledge allows me to offer insights that many general advisors simply can't provide. I believe everyone deserves to work with someone who will listen to them, understand their goals, and help them craft a plan that works for them.
Q: I'm still years from retirement. Isn't it too early to start planning?
A: It's never too early! Some of the biggest payoffs come from decisions you make early in your career. We can help you make smart choices now that will seriously boost your retirement later.